our story
A little community, grown slowly.
We're fortunate to be based in a purpose-built children's centre next to Heaton Library. Woodlands Playgroup has been running since 2015, and we take pride in the warm, welcoming environment we've created. Many children join us at a very young age, often experiencing their first time away from Mum and Dad. We're skilled at helping them settle in, making sure they feel comfortable and quickly build lovely relationships with staff and other children so that everyone feels part of the playgroup.
We also support children with additional needs, bringing in other professionals when necessary, and always working closely with families.
what we believe
Our ethos.
At Woodlands Playgroup, each child is welcomed, valued, and respected as an individual. Through dedicated attention and consistent care, we establish meaningful connections with every child, allowing us to support their development effectively. Our staff serve as reliable guides, fostering growth and well-being in the children. Parents are actively engaged in the community and their perspectives are acknowledged.
outside
Two outdoor spaces, all to ourselves.
We have two wonderful outdoor spaces where children can move around freely, help with gardening, or curl up with a book in a cosy den. They can also enjoy water and sand play, as well as ride-in cars, scooters, and balance bikes.
out and about
Out and about every week.
We visit Heaton Library every week — Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
Literacy and reading.
Literacy and reading are an important part of the curriculum at Woodlands. We've collaborated with the National Literacy Trust to deliver Early Words Together sessions for families, and we hold Stay and Read sessions where parents and carers can stay for a short while and share a book or two with their child.
Every year, we get caterpillars, and the children love watching them form cocoons and emerge as butterflies. This year, we have ladybird eggs for the first time, and we're excited to see them transform into ladybirds. We value the importance of introducing children to nature and fostering care for the environment.
Most of our children move on to Cragside Primary, Benton Park, Ravenswood or West Jesmond.
meet the team
The faces behind Woodlands.
Rachel Ronan
Manager
Over twenty years of childcare experience, Level 3 qualified in Early Years and Safeguarding Lead at Woodlands.
Meriem Kabachi
Deputy Manager & SENCO
Meriem has been at Woodlands since the beginning. She is always at the door with a big smile to welcome everyone in.
Lindsay Kennedy
Early Years Practitioner
Lindsay has a background in care and it shows — always ready for a reassuring cuddle.
Tam Haq
Early Years Practitioner
Tam is studying for her Level 2 qualification. She has worked at Woodlands for 10 years and is wonderful at helping little ones settle in when they first start with us.
Tracy Pugmire
Specialist Playworker
Tracy is a qualified Specialist Playworker (Hospitals) and our head gardener at Playgroup.
Sue Bouchard
Early Years Practitioner
Sue is a qualified Teacher — a talented artist and a creative mind.
Rachel Forrest
Early Years Practitioner
Rachel has a Level 3 in Early Years education. She's the one you'll find outdoors building and fixing anything and everything.
Marie Lucas
Childminder
Marie is a childminder who helps us at Woodlands two days per week. She is a talented musician — the children love her song time when she plays the guitar.
join us